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Andhra Pradesh local body elections face allegations of nomination obstruction
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has alleged widespread undemocratic practices during the ongoing urban local body elections. Reddy claims that the ruling TDP-led coalition is using police machinery and intimidation to prevent YSRCP candidates from filing nominations. He reported instances of nomination papers being torn, candidates being assaulted, and police firing in areas such as Pulivendula.
Reddy has met with the State Governor and the State Election Commissioner to demand the deployment of central forces and CCTV coverage to ensure free and fair polling. He further called for the imposition of President’s Rule in the state, citing a breakdown of constitutional machinery. Additionally, Reddy expressed regret over his party's previous support for the 2023 law governing the appointment of Election Commissioners, advocating for a more neutral selection process involving the Chief Justice of India.
The YSRCP has already withdrawn from contesting the Punganur municipality elections, citing a lack of security. While the party faces challenges in mobilizing candidates in several municipalities, statewide nomination figures show the TDP filed 8,774 nominations compared to 8,128 by the YSRCP.
Entities
Andhra Pradesh · Maddila Gurumoorthy · N. Chandrababu Naidu · State Election Commission · Telugu Desam Party · Tirupati · YS Jagan Mohan Reddy · YSR Congress Party · Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The TDP filed 8,774 nominations while the YSRCP submitted 8,128 nominations statewide. www.m9.news
- [● 5 SOURCES] The YSRCP demands the deployment of central forces and CCTV coverage for the election process. desitalkchicago.com · bhaskarlive.in · munsifdaily.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · www.bhaskarhindi.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The current process for appointing Election Commissioners lacks neutrality and requires reform. www.news9live.com · www.news18.com · scroll.in
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The YSRCP will not contest the Punganur municipality elections. www.thenewsminute.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] YSRCP candidates are being prevented from filing nominations for local body elections. desitalkchicago.com · bhaskarlive.in · munsifdaily.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · www.newindianexpress.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The YSRCP has requested the imposition of President’s Rule in Andhra Pradesh. www.newindianexpress.com